A new CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) hub has officially opened at Northampton Saints Foundation, providing vital early support for children and young people awaiting further mental health interventions.
The designated hub located at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens will deliver up to 18 sessions a week, totalling 90 hours of support, for young people who are currently waiting for CAMHS interventions or in need of additional guidance.
This initiative forms part of Northampton Saints Foundation’s Engage programmes, which help children and young people who are disengaged from education due to challenges in their lives. Through structured activities, both during term time and school holidays, the Foundation focuses on building confidence, resilience, and social/emotional health, with access to a youth therapist where needed.
The project will be delivered in collaboration with CAMHS staff , who will identify children and young people most in need of this innovative approach. A blend of half-term and term-time programmes will be piloted to best meet individual needs. Over the summer holidays over 53 young people were supporting during the Summer CAMHS Camp, each accessing up to 20 hours support each.
According to the latest Mental Health Services Monthly Statistics (July 2025) 501,280 children and young people were in contact with mental health services at the end of July. In the same month, 499,834 new referrals were received to CAMHS.
These figures highlight the increasing demand for mental health services and the importance of local hubs to provide early, accessible support for young people.
“We know how important it is for children and young people to feel supported while they wait for specialist interventions,” said Emilie Harbottle, Education and Inclusion Manager at Northampton Saints Foundation.
“By working in partnership with CAMHS staff , we can provide a safe, welcoming space where young people can build confidence, resilience and coping strategies. This hub will make a real difference in easing the pressure on services, while giving young people the timely support they need.”
In addition, Northampton Saints Foundation has recently relocated its Milton Keynes hub following the end of its contract at Glebe Farm. The new hub is now based at Milton Keynes Rugby Club, Emerson Valley Sports Pavilion, ensuring investment is channelled back into grassroots rugby.
In its first two weeks of the new academic year, the Milton Keynes hub has already been running at 54% capacity, delivering support to young people across the city and surrounding areas.
This expansion marks a significant step in providing timely, community-based mental health support to children and young people, helping to reduce waiting times, ease pressures on NHS services, and improve wellbeing outcomes.
To enquire about the Engage programme or to become a partner visit the website here.
